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Srimad Bhagvata Mahapurana: Book 4: Chapter 25: Verses 32-47
Introductory part of the parable of Puranjana
Narada continued : Enamoured of the heroic Puranjana, who thus courted her like one who had lost one's patience, the girl smilingly greeted him (in the following words), O valiant monarch ! "We are not fully aware of our own progenitor, O ornament among men, nor do we know the progenitor of anyone else (yourself), who is responsible for the family name no less than for the name of the progeny. We only know our being present here today, (and) nothing beyond that. Nor do we know him who built this city for our abode, O brave one ! These men and women are my male and female companions, O courteous one! When I am asleep, this serpent keeps awake, guarding the city. Thank heaven, you have come; may all be well with you ! With the help of my kinsfolk I shall secure for you (all) the sensuous pleasures you long to obtain, O vanquisher of foes ! Occupy you this city with nine gates, O lord, enjoying for a hundred years the sensuous pleasures made available by me. Whom else save you should I delight-him who is ignorant of enjoyment, unwise, unmindful of the future life and heedless about his duty for the morrow-a mere brute? It is here (in the life of a householder) indeed that one attains religious merit, worldly riches and sense-gratification, the joy of having a son, the privilege of eating the leavings of a sacrifice (which confer immortality on the eater) and fame as well as worlds that are free from misery and sin (and are attainable through sacrifices), all of which are unknown to recluses. The wise declare the life of a householder as the asylum affording protection in this world to the manes, gods, Rsis, human beings and other living beings, as well as to the householder himself. What woman of my category, O brave one, would not accept for her husband a renowned, generous, charming and beloved personality like you? What woman's mind on this earth would not cling to your arms, resembling the body of a serpent, O mighty-armed one? It is in order to wipe out the agony of helpless and forlorn creatures (like me) with your smiling glances imbued with compassion that you move about (in this world)." Narada went on : Having thus signified on that spot their mutual agreement, the couple entered that city and rejoiced (there) for a hundred years. Glorified everywhere in a sweet voice by panegyrists, Puranjana sported in the midst of damsels and entered a river during the hot weather (to refresh himself). For the passage of whosoever was the ruler in the city to other territories seven (out of the nine) gates of that city had been constructed in the upper (elevated) part, and two in the lower. (Again) five (of these) entrances opened towards the east, one towards the south, another towards the north and (the lower) two faced the west, I mention their names (to you,) O king ! Two of the eastern gates, Khadyota and Avirmukhi (by name), had been built at the same place. Accompanied by (his friend) Dyuman, Puranjana travelled to the land of Vibhrajita through these two (entrances).
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